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New Orleans Duo Stole $443,455 in Social Security Funds
NEW ORLEANS – In a brazen case of financial deception, Neely B. Hargis, 60, and Joseph T. Trott, 60, both of New Orleans, have been indicted on charges related to the theft of Social Security funds.
According to the indictment, Hargis and Trott stole approximately $443,455.00 in Social Security Administration (SSA) and Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES ACT) funds from the account of W.S., a deceased individual who received SSA monthly benefits from March 1992 until her death in August 1999.
The SSA deposited approximately $442,264.00 in SSA funds into W.S.’s Capital One Bank account, intended for W.S., from the time of her death to July 6, 2020. Hargis and Trott, who purchased the North Dupre Street property in New Orleans, used these funds for personal expenses, including auto loans, utility bills, credit cards, and health insurance bills.
The indictment alleges that Hargis and Trott made 52 payments totaling $61,495.00 to Ford Motor Credit for the purchase of two Lincoln vehicles, using funds from W.S.’s account. They also made payments to the City of New Smyrna Beach Utility Commission for utility bills for a property located in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
Both Hargis and Trott lied to special agents with the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, when they were interviewed about the theft of the Social Security funds from W.S.’s account.
U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans emphasized that the indictment is merely a charge, and the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Hargis and Trott face up to 20 years imprisonment, up to 3 years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine for Count One; up to 10 years imprisonment, up to 3 years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine for Counts Two and Three; and up to 5 years imprisonment, up to 3 years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine for Counts Four and Five.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit.
The indictment is a stark reminder of the importance of protecting sensitive government information and the severe consequences of defrauding the system.
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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